Summary of Popular and Classic Songs That Colored the Vocaloid Scene of the Heisei Era
Since the arrival of Hatsune Miku in 2007, countless masterpieces have emerged in the Vocaloid scene.
From love songs and anthems of encouragement to darker tracks, and spanning every genre—pop, rock, dance music, hip-hop, and more—Vocaloid music covers it all.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of songs born in the Heisei era that helped establish the popularity of the Vocaloid scene.
Even now, long after their release, these beloved works continue to be cherished—be sure to give them a listen!
Summary of Popular and Classic Songs That Colored the Heisei-Era Vocaloid Scene (1–10)
If I could become someone's heartYurii Canon
It’s a masterpiece that evokes deep empathy, portraying a heart wavering between life and death.
One of Yurry Canon’s signature songs, it was released in February 2018.
GUMI’s clear, soaring vocals blend beautifully with the emotional band sound.
And the lyric “I want to be someone’s reason to live” really pierces the heart.
It’s the perfect song for times when you feel lonely or despairing, or when you want to support someone.
HibanaDECO*27
A masterpiece in the Vocaloid scene that fuses a thrilling, fast-paced sound with emotional lyrics! DECO*27 wrote this song to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Hatsune Miku’s debut.
It’s an aggressive rock number that will lift your spirits the moment you hear it! You’ll also be drawn into the lyrical world depicting a battle to capture someone’s heart.
It truly resonates with listeners.
A rearranged version is included on the 2019 album “Re:Start,” so be sure to check it out if you’re interested!
Inferior, SuperiorGiga
A track that sends shivers through your whole body with its exhilarating EDM sound! Released in July 2018, it became a major talking point as the theme song for the “Kagamine Rin/Len 10th Anniversary.” Giga’s masterful blend of beats and synths is superb, and just listening to it makes your heart race.
The cool duet by Rin and Len brilliantly conveys a world of lyrics brimming with rebellious spirit.
Centered on the theme of “gekokujo” (the underdog overturning the hierarchy), it portrays the strength to overcome inferiority complexes and society’s hypocrisy.
When you want to fire yourself up, let this sound set your heart ablaze!
Six Trillion Years and an Overnight Storykemu
A powerful mixture rock track shook the Vocaloid scene.
It’s a 2012 work released under the name kemu by Akita Horie, who is also active as a composer and a member of the rock band PENGUIN RESEARCH.
The song’s heavy, high-pressure sound pairs perfectly with IA’s solid, resonant vocals, making you want to crank up the volume.
The lyrics, which reveal a tragic story, are another highlight, and the piece was later novelized.
It’s also included in the mobile game “Project SEKAI COLORFUL STAGE! feat.
Hatsune Miku,” so some of you may have discovered it there.
LokiMikito-P
Crank up your energy with some hard-hitting rock ’n’ roll! One of popular Vocaloid producer Mikito-P’s signature songs, “Roki,” was released in February 2018.
It’s a duet by Kagamine Rin and Mikito-P himself, and the back-and-forth vocal work is insanely cool! The crisp band sound is fantastic too—especially that bouncy slap bass, which is absolutely irresistible.
It’s a heart-pumping Vocaloid classic that’s perfect as the first song at karaoke!
Senbonzakurakuro usagi P
When it comes to Vocaloid songs, this is probably the first one that comes to many people’s minds! Senbonzakura, the smash hit by Kurousa-P, was released on Niconico in 2011.
It sparked an explosive boom, expanding into novels, manga, a musical, and even a kabuki performance.
It also made waves when it was used in a Toyota commercial.
Its Taisho retro-flavored mixture rock sound grabbed listeners’ hearts.
Back during the height of the craze, fans were even saying things like, “Let’s make this our national anthem.”
Hated by life.Iori Kanzaki
This is a work that depicts emotions wavering between life and death with overwhelming expressive power.
It is one of Iori Kanzaki’s signature songs, released in August 2017.
In 2021, it drew attention when Mafumafu covered it at the 72nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The driving melody blends perfectly with lyrics that deliver a scathing critique of modern society.
The words also convey the dignity of clinging to life—even when consumed by negative emotions.
It’s a must-listen when you feel lost in life or want to reflect on the value of life.